JOHN GILBEY SENTENCED IN CHATHAM AND SITTINGBOURNE FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Chatham and Sittingbourne, a man named John Gilbey has been sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The incident came to light after allegations surfaced from another girl, prompting a police investigation that uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse.

Gilbey, aged 39 and currently residing in The Street, Stockbury, near Sittingbourne, was a former soldier turned electrician. The court heard that he had filmed himself engaging in sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl in the living room of his former home in Chatham. The court was informed that the girl was particularly vulnerable at the time, which made the abuse even more heinous.

Judge Michael Lawson QC addressed Gilbey directly during the sentencing, stating, “You embarked upon the process of grooming her and abusing her. We will never be able to calculate the damage you have done to that girl.” The judge emphasized the gravity of the offenses and the lasting impact on the victim.

Gilbey had previously admitted to three charges of indecent assault and two charges of making indecent pseudo-photographs, covering the period from 2000 to 2003. Despite this, he denied involvement in an additional charge of indecent assault against another girl, as well as further allegations of making indecent photographs and two other serious sexual offenses. These additional charges remain on the court file, unresolved.

Prosecutor Peter Alcock revealed that the film was discovered after another girl came forward with allegations against Gilbey. Following these revelations, police arrested Gilbey and conducted a search of his residence. During the search, officers confiscated his computer and other electronic equipment for forensic examination.

Initially, Gilbey denied any involvement in the creation of the film or the abuse of the girl. However, his defense lawyer, John Causer, stated that Gilbey eventually had the “courage” to plead guilty, although he claimed that his client could not remember the details of what happened. The case has left a lasting scar on the local communities of Chatham and Sittingbourne, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable individuals from such heinous acts.